Writing Examples:
Passive (CORRECT) | Active (incorrect) | Imperative (incorrect) | |
1. | 200mL of distilled water were poured into a 500mL beaker. | I poured 200mL of distilled water in a beaker. | Pour 200mL water in a 500mL beaker. |
2. | The covered crucible was mounted on a ring stand. | We put the crucible on a ring stand. | Set the crucible on a ring stand. |
3. | The temperature was initially measured at 75°C. | I measured the temperature at 75°C. | Measure and write down the temperature. |
Passive voice keeps the researcher personally out of the experiment, keeps the content objective, and focuses the language on how the experiment was performed in a way that's repeatable by other researchers.
Passive voice means:
Formula for Passive Voice:
[form of "to be"] + past participle = passive voice
Comparing Passive to Active:
DO THIS | Subject | Verb | |
Passive | The solution | was heated | to 60°C |
DON'T DO THIS | Subject | Verb | |
Active | We | heated | the solution to 60°C |
In a scientific/lab report, you are describing what happened. Use past tense to describe (in detail) what you did during the experiment. (Do not use the imperative/commands).
Past Tense Means:
Comparing Past to Imperative:
DO THIS | Subject | Verb | |
Past Tense (and Passive!) | The solution | was heated | to 60°C. |
DON'T DO THIS | Verb | Subject | |
Imperative/Command | Heat | the solution | to 60°C. |
"All of the following are considered plagiarism:
Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources. Simply acknowledging that certain material has been borrowed, and providing your audience with the information necessary to find that source, is usually enough to prevent plagiarism."
Source: What is plagiarism? (n.d.) Retrieved from <http://www.plagiarism.org/plagiarism-101/what-is-plagiarism>